Is a Final Decree of Divorce Always a Binding Contract?

Jimmy Verner persuaded the Fort Worth Court of Appeals to reverse an award of $25,000 in punitive damages against his client. The ex-wife sued the ex-husband for enforcement of a final decree of divorce on the theory that the decree was a contract. Retained for the appeal, Mr. Verner argued that punitive damages could not be awarded against the ex-husband on a mere breach of contract. The court agreed and reversed the punitive damages award.

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